Gastronomie | Habanos
Habanos S.A. kicks off the year - focused on combating COUNTERFEITING
| 2025-01-26 |     |
The luxury sector and the world of Habanos face significant challenges due to the proliferation of counterfeit products. Industries such as fashion, cosmetics, and especially luxury are particularly vulnerable to these illicit practices, which not only have an economic impact on the sector but also erode consumer trust and damage brand reputation. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), counterfeit products account for 3.3% of global trade.
In this context, Habanos, S.A., the world leader in premium tobacco commercialization, works daily to protect its aficionados through a set of measures designed to ensure the authenticity of its products. "Quality and authenticity are essential values for our brands, and we want to ensure that every Habano reaching aficionados provides a real and unique experience" say Beatriz Garrido and Álex Fernández-Blanco from Habanos, S.A.’s Operational Marketing Department.
To fulfill this commitment, the Cuban company has developed a comprehensive system that combines physical and digital elements to protect its products and offer consumers the confidence that they are purchasing a genuine product. All Habanos are endorsed by the Protected Appellations of Origin (P.A.O.), which certifies that the tobacco used comes exclusively from specific regions in Cuba and meets strict quality standards. This distinction guarantees the exclusivity of the product and reinforces the authenticity of its unique origin in the world.
The Cuban National Warranty Seal, present on all Habanos cases and boxes, includes holograms, unique barcodes, microdots visible only through scanners, and a self-destructing design that prevents reuse in case of tampering. Since 1994, this sticker, located in the upper right corner of the packaging, has featured the text "Protected Appellations of Origin.”
The bottom of the box also plays a key role in authentication. Each box leaving Habanos, S.A. facilities is hot stamped with the inscription "Hecho en Cuba", and since 1989, Long Filler Habanos packaging includes the phrase "Totally Handmade", while Short Filler packaging adds the "TC" stamp.
In recent years, Habanos, S.A. has also incorporated NFC technology in some of its most exclusive releases. This innovative system allows aficionados to verify the authenticity of Habanos using a mobile device, and in countries where regulations permit, they can access detailed information about the product, its origin, and even rate it. This technology not only strengthens trust in the brand but also provides an interactive and differentiated experience for aficionados.
Another security measure implemented by Habanos, S.A. and its distributors is the use of market-specific distinctive seals. These seals allow buyers to identify that the product they are purchasing is distributed specifically for their market. The latest authenticity feature introduced by Habanos, S.A. to guarantee a genuine product is the Cuban domestic market mark designed to protect products sold in Cuba. This seal uses a high-standard adhesive, resistant to extreme temperatures and humidity. Brown will be the color of the seal for 2025.
EXTENSIVE GLOBAL NETWORK FOR SECURE PURCHASES
Habanos, S.A. reminds customers that the best way to avoid counterfeits is to purchase products exclusively through Authorized Exclusive Distributors. Habanos enthusiasts can visit the official network of retail points, including La Casa del Habano, Habanos Point, Habanos Specialist, and Cohiba Atmosphere, present in more than 130 territories worldwide. Additionally, the company offers an online tool to verify the products authenticity and locate the nearest retail points.